Fetal bladder histology in posterior urethral valves and the prune belly syndrome
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
Published on: October 12, 2017
1Department of Urology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0738.
Abstract:
Bladder histology was reviewed in fetuses with posterior urethral valves and the prune belly syndrome, and compared with that of controls. Fetuses with posterior urethral valves had increased muscle thickness (1.7 +/- 0.3 versus 0.9 +/- 0.2 mm.) and a slightly increased ratio of connective tissue (38 +/- 6 versus 31 +/- 7%). Those with the prune belly syndrome fell into 2 groups: 1 had anatomical evidence of obstruction, increased muscle thickness and a normal ratio of connective tissue (2.2 +/- 0.6 mm. and 28 +/- 9%), while 1 had no evidence of obstruction and thin bladders with increased connective tissue (0.8 +/- 0.4 mm. and 45 +/- 12%). These results suggest that the phenotypic appearance of the prune belly syndrome may result from either a mesenchymal defect or urinary tract obstruction.
More Related Videos
06:36A Decentralized (Ex Vivo) Murine Bladder Model with the Detrusor Muscle Removed for Direct Access to the Suburothelium during Bladder Filling
Published on: November 28, 2019
04:22Removal of an Intravesical Gellhorn Pessary and Staged Repair of a Residual Large Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
Published on: April 14, 2026
Related Concept Videos
Ureters
Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract